He is never getting in the Ferrari, not this year unless kimi or vettel misses race for some reason. Its clear. And I dont think he is paying for it. Gutiérrez is going to Formula E. So Ferrari did need development driver which was available full time to them.

Frankly, i am happy for him. He had to get away from toxic Redbull environment.

Wish him luck.

The cynic in me says that like Gutierrez before him he is paying for that privilege, so I wouldn't be getting any hopes up that this is a prelude to a Ferrari seat.

Craig Scarborough wrote on Twitter that this is the usual way for Ferrari, to get information on their competitors (Red Bull in this case). Can’t say I’ve ever noticed it before but Vergne got a similar if not the same role a few years ago so maybe there’s some merit to that.

Frankly, i am happy for him. He had to get away from toxic Redbull environment.

Wish him luck.

The cynic in me says that like Gutierrez before him he is paying for that privilege, so I wouldn't be getting any hopes up that this is a prelude to a Ferrari seat.

Craig Scarborough wrote on Twitter that this is the usual way for Ferrari, to get information on their competitors (Red Bull in this case). Can’t say I’ve ever noticed it before but Vergne got a similar if not the same role a few years ago so maybe there’s some merit to that.

Yeah it's what I thought too when I heard it, Kvyat has sat in a Red Bull not that long ago, done a lot of sim work and may know a lot about their suspension for example so makes sense to see if they can wring anything out of him with no harm done if they can't.

_________________"Clark came through at the end of the first lap so far ahead that we in the pits were convinced that the rest of the field must have been wiped out in an accident."-Eddie Dennis, describing the dominance of Jim Clark in the Lotus 49 at Spa 1967

Frankly, i am happy for him. He had to get away from toxic Redbull environment.

Wish him luck.

The cynic in me says that like Gutierrez before him he is paying for that privilege, so I wouldn't be getting any hopes up that this is a prelude to a Ferrari seat.

Craig Scarborough wrote on Twitter that this is the usual way for Ferrari, to get information on their competitors (Red Bull in this case). Can’t say I’ve ever noticed it before but Vergne got a similar if not the same role a few years ago so maybe there’s some merit to that.

Yeah it's what I thought too when I heard it, Kvyat has sat in a Red Bull not that long ago, done a lot of sim work and may know a lot about their suspension for example so makes sense to see if they can wring anything out of him with no harm done if they can't.

If this is true, Ferrari surely believe in everything's fair in love & war (of the manufacturers)!

Frankly, i am happy for him. He had to get away from toxic Redbull environment.

Wish him luck.

The cynic in me says that like Gutierrez before him he is paying for that privilege, so I wouldn't be getting any hopes up that this is a prelude to a Ferrari seat.

Craig Scarborough wrote on Twitter that this is the usual way for Ferrari, to get information on their competitors (Red Bull in this case). Can’t say I’ve ever noticed it before but Vergne got a similar if not the same role a few years ago so maybe there’s some merit to that.

Scarbs also suggested his knowledge of the Renault PU performance and control systems would be of interest to Ferrari engineers.

_________________"Clark came through at the end of the first lap so far ahead that we in the pits were convinced that the rest of the field must have been wiped out in an accident."-Eddie Dennis, describing the dominance of Jim Clark in the Lotus 49 at Spa 1967

He is never getting in the Ferrari, not this year unless kimi or vettel misses race for some reason. Its clear. And I dont think he is paying for it. Gutiérrez is going to Formula E. So Ferrari did need development driver which was available full time to them.

He fits the bill.

I thought Giovinazzi was the Ferrari reserve/development driver last year?

Frankly, i am happy for him. He had to get away from toxic Redbull environment.

Wish him luck.

The cynic in me says that like Gutierrez before him he is paying for that privilege, so I wouldn't be getting any hopes up that this is a prelude to a Ferrari seat.

Craig Scarborough wrote on Twitter that this is the usual way for Ferrari, to get information on their competitors (Red Bull in this case). Can’t say I’ve ever noticed it before but Vergne got a similar if not the same role a few years ago so maybe there’s some merit to that.

Frankly, i am happy for him. He had to get away from toxic Redbull environment.

Wish him luck.

The cynic in me says that like Gutierrez before him he is paying for that privilege, so I wouldn't be getting any hopes up that this is a prelude to a Ferrari seat.

Craig Scarborough wrote on Twitter that this is the usual way for Ferrari, to get information on their competitors (Red Bull in this case). Can’t say I’ve ever noticed it before but Vergne got a similar if not the same role a few years ago so maybe there’s some merit to that.

That's interesting, anyway either way they are simple using him.

Of course they are, poker. They are paying him to do a job... it is that simple. Your employer does the same thing. So how is their using him any different???

So what is the big deal? Other teams have hired drivers from other teams, have hired engineers from other teams, so how is this different?

There isn't a big deal. Why do you think there is one? I haven't seen anyone that seems bothered by the announcement.

there have been some posts that suggest that this is out of the norm, unique to Ferrari, that he had to pay for the job, and then by the same poster saying that Ferrari are "simiply using him". So, I see some who are "bothered" by it.

The posts below make reference to that he is paying for the "privilege".. as opposed to being paid for what he brings to the table. Another makes reference that this is "the usual way for Ferrari to get information"... as though no one else does it???? And the final post claims that Ferrari are simply "using him".... as though they are taking advantage of him due to his time with Red Bull.

pokerman wrote:

Black_Flag_11 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

The cynic in me says that like Gutierrez before him he is paying for that privilege, so I wouldn't be getting any hopes up that this is a prelude to a Ferrari seat.

Craig Scarborough wrote on Twitter that this is the usual way for Ferrari, to get information on their competitors (Red Bull in this case). Can’t say I’ve ever noticed it before but Vergne got a similar if not the same role a few years ago so maybe there’s some merit to that.

Good for Kyvat, now he needs to find a race series to race in to keep his speed up for whatever racing future comes his way. On his day he could be very quick and if nothing else it allows Ferrari to calibrate its young drivers against Red Bull's.

So what is the big deal? Other teams have hired drivers from other teams, have hired engineers from other teams, so how is this different?

Exactly.

When any driver announces they are going to another team, the team they are on immediately stop the flow of information to that driver. Teams poach from other teams for just one of two purposes. To either go after the best talent, and/or to glean anything they can from a competitor, their internal methods, procedures, anything.

This is common, practiced by all. Heck, Newey turned down a ridiculous offer from Monty, hoping to poach him away from Red Bull.

Frankly, i am happy for him. He had to get away from toxic Redbull environment.

Wish him luck.

The cynic in me says that like Gutierrez before him he is paying for that privilege, so I wouldn't be getting any hopes up that this is a prelude to a Ferrari seat.

Craig Scarborough wrote on Twitter that this is the usual way for Ferrari, to get information on their competitors (Red Bull in this case). Can’t say I’ve ever noticed it before but Vergne got a similar if not the same role a few years ago so maybe there’s some merit to that.

That's interesting, anyway either way they are simple using him.

Of course they are, poker. They are paying him to do a job... it is that simple. Your employer does the same thing. So how is their using him any different???

How do you know that Ferrari are paying him and Kvyat is not through his sponsors paying himself like Guittirez did?

The cynic in me says that like Gutierrez before him he is paying for that privilege, so I wouldn't be getting any hopes up that this is a prelude to a Ferrari seat.

Craig Scarborough wrote on Twitter that this is the usual way for Ferrari, to get information on their competitors (Red Bull in this case). Can’t say I’ve ever noticed it before but Vergne got a similar if not the same role a few years ago so maybe there’s some merit to that.

That's interesting, anyway either way they are simple using him.

Of course they are, poker. They are paying him to do a job... it is that simple. Your employer does the same thing. So how is their using him any different???

How do you know that Ferrari are paying him and Kvyat is not through his sponsors paying himself like Guittirez did?

I don't, poker, but then, I was just responding to your own post suggesting that he (Kvyat) is paying for the privilege of his job. You put the pay issue out there, so you prove that he is paying for the job/privilege.

Incredibly, you make a totally unsubstantiated comment and then try to make others prove that you are wrong when they question you on it. Pokerman, you prove that he is paying for his job, and I will gladly apologize here on the forum for doubting you. Until then, I will just assume that it is nothing of any consequence.

Craig Scarborough wrote on Twitter that this is the usual way for Ferrari, to get information on their competitors (Red Bull in this case). Can’t say I’ve ever noticed it before but Vergne got a similar if not the same role a few years ago so maybe there’s some merit to that.

That's interesting, anyway either way they are simple using him.

Of course they are, poker. They are paying him to do a job... it is that simple. Your employer does the same thing. So how is their using him any different???

How do you know that Ferrari are paying him and Kvyat is not through his sponsors paying himself like Guittirez did?

I don't, poker, but then, I was just responding to your own post suggesting that he (Kvyat) is paying for the privilege of his job. You put the pay issue out there, so you prove that he is paying for the job/privilege.

Incredibly, you make a totally unsubstantiated comment and then try to make others prove that you are wrong when they question you on it. Pokerman, you prove that he is paying for his job, and I will gladly apologize here on the forum for doubting you. Until then, I will just assume that it is nothing of any consequence.

You yourself said that Ferrari are paying Kvyat and then you say you don't know if they're paying him or not, I never actually said that Kvyat was paying for the privilege as I obviously don't know but it's common knowledge that in similar circumstances Gutierrez paid to be the reserve driver and Kvyat himself brought sponsors to STR.

I feel the over riding feeling about Kvyat's appointment is that there is no race seat for him in the pipeline and for me he may be paying for the position or as Craig Scarborough suggested he brings with him information from Red Bull.

this is good news , he's always been a nice character and was shoddily treat

It's not a race seat though.

I think you can still be pleased he's been picked up by Ferrari of all teams in some capacity after his recent issues.

_________________"Clark came through at the end of the first lap so far ahead that we in the pits were convinced that the rest of the field must have been wiped out in an accident."-Eddie Dennis, describing the dominance of Jim Clark in the Lotus 49 at Spa 1967

Of course they are, poker. They are paying him to do a job... it is that simple. Your employer does the same thing. So how is their using him any different???

How do you know that Ferrari are paying him and Kvyat is not through his sponsors paying himself like Guittirez did?

I don't, poker, but then, I was just responding to your own post suggesting that he (Kvyat) is paying for the privilege of his job. You put the pay issue out there, so you prove that he is paying for the job/privilege.

Incredibly, you make a totally unsubstantiated comment and then try to make others prove that you are wrong when they question you on it. Pokerman, you prove that he is paying for his job, and I will gladly apologize here on the forum for doubting you. Until then, I will just assume that it is nothing of any consequence.

You yourself said that Ferrari are paying Kvyat and then you say you don't know if they're paying him or not, I never actually said that Kvyat was paying for the privilege as I obviously don't know but it's common knowledge that in similar circumstances Gutierrez paid to be the reserve driver and Kvyat himself brought sponsors to STR.

I feel the over riding feeling about Kvyat's appointment is that there is no race seat for him in the pipeline and for me he may be paying for the position or as Craig Scarborough suggested he brings with him information from Red Bull.

Holy cow, pokerman... Anyone who has read our exchanges can see that I have been responding to your posts. You are the one who brought up the question suggesting that Kvyat might be paying for the privilege of his job, and in responding that I said he was being paid. Then I admitted that I did not know that for sure, but challenged YOU to support your claim since you initiated the topic, and again, as you do so often, you try to twist it around and avoid backing up your own claim. You also suggested that he was being "used" as though Ferrari were doing something shifty with him, and I pointed out that every employee is being "used", but not necessarily is it underhanded. Certainly, Ferrari is not unique in signing drivers or engineers from other companies, which I also pointed out to you earlier, as shown above.

pokerman wrote:

Black_Flag_11 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

The cynic in me says that like Gutierrez before him he is paying for that privilege, so I wouldn't be getting any hopes up that this is a prelude to a Ferrari seat.

Craig Scarborough wrote on Twitter that this is the usual way for Ferrari, to get information on their competitors (Red Bull in this case). Can’t say I’ve ever noticed it before but Vergne got a similar if not the same role a few years ago so maybe there’s some merit to that.

That's interesting, anyway either way they are simple using him.

Now you finally address the question by trying to defend your "thoughts" by referencing Guitierrez and STR .... seriously? You don't see the difference between STR's situation and Ferrari? Do you really think that Ferrari can't afford to pay their development drivers????

All to often, trying to discuss with you is like batting one's head against a wall.

I think I will try to follow Saio7's wise example, and just say ciao. It isn't worth it.

Of course they are, poker. They are paying him to do a job... it is that simple. Your employer does the same thing. So how is their using him any different???

How do you know that Ferrari are paying him and Kvyat is not through his sponsors paying himself like Guittirez did?

I don't, poker, but then, I was just responding to your own post suggesting that he (Kvyat) is paying for the privilege of his job. You put the pay issue out there, so you prove that he is paying for the job/privilege.

Incredibly, you make a totally unsubstantiated comment and then try to make others prove that you are wrong when they question you on it. Pokerman, you prove that he is paying for his job, and I will gladly apologize here on the forum for doubting you. Until then, I will just assume that it is nothing of any consequence.

You yourself said that Ferrari are paying Kvyat and then you say you don't know if they're paying him or not, I never actually said that Kvyat was paying for the privilege as I obviously don't know but it's common knowledge that in similar circumstances Gutierrez paid to be the reserve driver and Kvyat himself brought sponsors to STR.

I feel the over riding feeling about Kvyat's appointment is that there is no race seat for him in the pipeline and for me he may be paying for the position or as Craig Scarborough suggested he brings with him information from Red Bull.

Holy cow, pokerman... Anyone who has read our exchanges can see that I have been responding to your posts. You are the one who brought up the question suggesting that Kvyat might be paying for the privilege of his job, and in responding that I said he was being paid. Then I admitted that I did not know that for sure, but challenged YOU to support your claim since you initiated the topic, and again, as you do so often, you try to twist it around and avoid backing up your own claim. You also suggested that he was being "used" as though Ferrari were doing something shifty with him, and I pointed out that every employee is being "used", but not necessarily is it underhanded. Certainly, Ferrari is not unique in signing drivers or engineers from other companies, which I also pointed out to you earlier, as shown above.

pokerman wrote:

Black_Flag_11 wrote:

pokerman wrote:

The cynic in me says that like Gutierrez before him he is paying for that privilege, so I wouldn't be getting any hopes up that this is a prelude to a Ferrari seat.

Craig Scarborough wrote on Twitter that this is the usual way for Ferrari, to get information on their competitors (Red Bull in this case). Can’t say I’ve ever noticed it before but Vergne got a similar if not the same role a few years ago so maybe there’s some merit to that.

That's interesting, anyway either way they are simple using him.

Now you finally address the question by trying to defend your "thoughts" by referencing Guitierrez and STR .... seriously? You don't see the difference between STR's situation and Ferrari? Do you really think that Ferrari can't afford to pay their development drivers????

All to often, trying to discuss with you is like batting one's head against a wall.

I think I will try to follow Saio7's wise example, and just say ciao. It isn't worth it.

I read an article that specifically said that Gutierrez brought sponsors to Ferrari when he became reserve driver.

Does Craig Scarborough get the same disdain for suggesting that Kvyat's appointment is to gather information from Red Bull?

Either way the gist of my post in the midst of some thinking this was a positive step for Kvyat's career is don't count your chickens in believing that this is a step nearer for him returning to the F1 grid.

Being frustrated with someone can run both ways, a Ferrari fan that defends them to the nth degree without at times it seems knowing all the ins and outs.

Does Craig Scarborough get the same disdain for suggesting that Kvyat's appointment is to gather information from Red Bull?

Either way the gist of my post in the midst of some thinking this was a positive step for Kvyat's career is don't count your chickens in believing that this is a step nearer for him returning to the F1 grid.

Being frustrated with someone can run both ways, a Ferrari fan that defends them to the nth degree without at times it seems knowing all the ins and outs.

Well I don't see why it may not be a step closer to it being a small possibility that he could return. He was at least decent in 2015 and I think with a totally new team, his performance could come as a surprise. Ferrari may find out he's much better than they expected so we never know if he may jump back into a seat in F1.

Does Craig Scarborough get the same disdain for suggesting that Kvyat's appointment is to gather information from Red Bull?

Either way the gist of my post in the midst of some thinking this was a positive step for Kvyat's career is don't count your chickens in believing that this is a step nearer for him returning to the F1 grid.

Being frustrated with someone can run both ways, a Ferrari fan that defends them to the nth degree without at times it seems knowing all the ins and outs.

Well I don't see why it may not be a step closer to it being a small possibility that he could return. He was at least decent in 2015 and I think with a totally new team, his performance could come as a surprise. Ferrari may find out he's much better than they expected so we never know if he may jump back into a seat in F1.

Talking about that possibility they know he's not as good as either Ricciardo or Sainz and Ricciardo will be available for 2019, not sure about Sainz?

Going on from that if Sainz can't beat the Hulk then Kvyat is not even close to being a top 10 driver, is that a driver they would want in the race car?

Does Craig Scarborough get the same disdain for suggesting that Kvyat's appointment is to gather information from Red Bull?

Either way the gist of my post in the midst of some thinking this was a positive step for Kvyat's career is don't count your chickens in believing that this is a step nearer for him returning to the F1 grid.

Being frustrated with someone can run both ways, a Ferrari fan that defends them to the nth degree without at times it seems knowing all the ins and outs.

Well I don't see why it may not be a step closer to it being a small possibility that he could return. He was at least decent in 2015 and I think with a totally new team, his performance could come as a surprise. Ferrari may find out he's much better than they expected so we never know if he may jump back into a seat in F1.

Talking about that possibility they know he's not as good as either Ricciardo or Sainz and Ricciardo will be available for 2019, not sure about Sainz?

Going on from that if Sainz can't beat the Hulk then Kvyat is not even close to being a top 10 driver, is that a driver they would want in the race car?

I still think that you are missing my point. I am saying it is a possibility that his performance could change completely with a fresh start. He's still young and things could turn around. Think about the amount of drivers that started their F1 careers at around the age Kvyat is now that turned out to be very good. Now Kvyat is connected to a different team with a fresh start, if you forget his past, he may prove to be good enough to deserve to return. I certainly blame him a lot for the fact he is now without a racing seat, but Red Bull moved him up to early and treated him really badly from then on. Although this seems very unlikely, he could improve a lot and be almost as good as Ricciardo or Verstappen. It wasn't totally down to luck he beat Ricciardo in 2015. We have to give him some credit.

Being taken on in this role surely does give him a slight chance of returning to F1. Not necessarily in a Ferrari seat but another team. But who knows? They may think he's a better option than Raikkonen if Kvyat turnes out to be good and Raikkonen goes downhill. About Ricciardo, I have seen reports that it is quite likely that Horner will be able to convince Ricciardo to stay at Red Bull. I think there may be some hidden package that is looking very promising they have that is what made Verstappen want to stay for several years. I think it could well be the case that Ricciardo will extend his contract by the end of this year. But I can't be sure as it is only what I think may happen.

this is good news , he's always been a nice character and was shoddily treat

It's not a race seat though.

I think you can still be pleased he's been picked up by Ferrari of all teams in some capacity after his recent issues.

I think without it being tied to a race seat it means very little, F1 is full of reserve and development drivers, some that don't even have a F1 super license like Geleal, Celis jnr.

Recent drivers for Ferrari in this position have been Vergne and Gutierrez and I don't believe many saw these as being in line for a Ferrari race seat.

It doesn't have to be tied to a race seat to be viewed as good news imo. It's still a role within F1 at Ferrari so it's not too shabby and at least presents a chance to impress another top team he wouldn't otherwise have.

_________________"Clark came through at the end of the first lap so far ahead that we in the pits were convinced that the rest of the field must have been wiped out in an accident."-Eddie Dennis, describing the dominance of Jim Clark in the Lotus 49 at Spa 1967

Does Craig Scarborough get the same disdain for suggesting that Kvyat's appointment is to gather information from Red Bull?

Either way the gist of my post in the midst of some thinking this was a positive step for Kvyat's career is don't count your chickens in believing that this is a step nearer for him returning to the F1 grid.

Being frustrated with someone can run both ways, a Ferrari fan that defends them to the nth degree without at times it seems knowing all the ins and outs.

Well I don't see why it may not be a step closer to it being a small possibility that he could return. He was at least decent in 2015 and I think with a totally new team, his performance could come as a surprise. Ferrari may find out he's much better than they expected so we never know if he may jump back into a seat in F1.

Talking about that possibility they know he's not as good as either Ricciardo or Sainz and Ricciardo will be available for 2019, not sure about Sainz?

Going on from that if Sainz can't beat the Hulk then Kvyat is not even close to being a top 10 driver, is that a driver they would want in the race car?

I still think that you are missing my point. I am saying it is a possibility that his performance could change completely with a fresh start. He's still young and things could turn around. Think about the amount of drivers that started their F1 careers at around the age Kvyat is now that turned out to be very good. Now Kvyat is connected to a different team with a fresh start, if you forget his past, he may prove to be good enough to deserve to return. I certainly blame him a lot for the fact he is now without a racing seat, but Red Bull moved him up to early and treated him really badly from then on. Although this seems very unlikely, he could improve a lot and be almost as good as Ricciardo or Verstappen. It wasn't totally down to luck he beat Ricciardo in 2015. We have to give him some credit.

Being taken on in this role surely does give him a slight chance of returning to F1. Not necessarily in a Ferrari seat but another team. But who knows? They may think he's a better option than Raikkonen if Kvyat turnes out to be good and Raikkonen goes downhill. About Ricciardo, I have seen reports that it is quite likely that Horner will be able to convince Ricciardo to stay at Red Bull. I think there may be some hidden package that is looking very promising they have that is what made Verstappen want to stay for several years. I think it could well be the case that Ricciardo will extend his contract by the end of this year. But I can't be sure as it is only what I think may happen.

Kvyat's had 4 years in F1 and he's never going to be a tier 1 driver, I don't see him ever making that transition which is different from him being merely good enough to drive in F1 which he is, but that would be in a midfield car and not a top team.

Mikey already pointed out that it gives Kvyat a better chance to return to F1 but it's like I said before I don't see that being with Ferrari who have better options than Kvyat which also includes their junior drivers.

this is good news , he's always been a nice character and was shoddily treat

It's not a race seat though.

I think you can still be pleased he's been picked up by Ferrari of all teams in some capacity after his recent issues.

I think without it being tied to a race seat it means very little, F1 is full of reserve and development drivers, some that don't even have a F1 super license like Geleal, Celis jnr.

Recent drivers for Ferrari in this position have been Vergne and Gutierrez and I don't believe many saw these as being in line for a Ferrari race seat.

It doesn't have to be tied to a race seat to be viewed as good news imo. It's still a role within F1 at Ferrari so it's not too shabby and at least presents a chance to impress another top team he wouldn't otherwise have.

I think you can still be pleased he's been picked up by Ferrari of all teams in some capacity after his recent issues.

I think without it being tied to a race seat it means very little, F1 is full of reserve and development drivers, some that don't even have a F1 super license like Geleal, Celis jnr.

Recent drivers for Ferrari in this position have been Vergne and Gutierrez and I don't believe many saw these as being in line for a Ferrari race seat.

It doesn't have to be tied to a race seat to be viewed as good news imo. It's still a role within F1 at Ferrari so it's not too shabby and at least presents a chance to impress another top team he wouldn't otherwise have.

Yep I see that but not with a top team.

I'd agree, I think he's had his chances but he's still young and has shown pace so hopefully we're both wrong and a fresh start outside the RB stable helps him move past what happened.

_________________"Clark came through at the end of the first lap so far ahead that we in the pits were convinced that the rest of the field must have been wiped out in an accident."-Eddie Dennis, describing the dominance of Jim Clark in the Lotus 49 at Spa 1967

Does Craig Scarborough get the same disdain for suggesting that Kvyat's appointment is to gather information from Red Bull?

Either way the gist of my post in the midst of some thinking this was a positive step for Kvyat's career is don't count your chickens in believing that this is a step nearer for him returning to the F1 grid.

Being frustrated with someone can run both ways, a Ferrari fan that defends them to the nth degree without at times it seems knowing all the ins and outs.

Well I don't see why it may not be a step closer to it being a small possibility that he could return. He was at least decent in 2015 and I think with a totally new team, his performance could come as a surprise. Ferrari may find out he's much better than they expected so we never know if he may jump back into a seat in F1.

Talking about that possibility they know he's not as good as either Ricciardo or Sainz and Ricciardo will be available for 2019, not sure about Sainz?

Going on from that if Sainz can't beat the Hulk then Kvyat is not even close to being a top 10 driver, is that a driver they would want in the race car?

I still think that you are missing my point. I am saying it is a possibility that his performance could change completely with a fresh start. He's still young and things could turn around. Think about the amount of drivers that started their F1 careers at around the age Kvyat is now that turned out to be very good. Now Kvyat is connected to a different team with a fresh start, if you forget his past, he may prove to be good enough to deserve to return. I certainly blame him a lot for the fact he is now without a racing seat, but Red Bull moved him up to early and treated him really badly from then on. Although this seems very unlikely, he could improve a lot and be almost as good as Ricciardo or Verstappen. It wasn't totally down to luck he beat Ricciardo in 2015. We have to give him some credit.

Being taken on in this role surely does give him a slight chance of returning to F1. Not necessarily in a Ferrari seat but another team. But who knows? They may think he's a better option than Raikkonen if Kvyat turnes out to be good and Raikkonen goes downhill. About Ricciardo, I have seen reports that it is quite likely that Horner will be able to convince Ricciardo to stay at Red Bull. I think there may be some hidden package that is looking very promising they have that is what made Verstappen want to stay for several years. I think it could well be the case that Ricciardo will extend his contract by the end of this year. But I can't be sure as it is only what I think may happen.

Kvyat's had 4 years in F1 and he's never going to be a tier 1 driver, I don't see him ever making that transition which is different from him being merely good enough to drive in F1 which he is, but that would be in a midfield car and not a top team.

Mikey already pointed out that it gives Kvyat a better chance to return to F1 but it's like I said before I don't see that being with Ferrari who have better options than Kvyat which also includes their junior drivers.

By the way 2015 did contain quite a big dose of luck.

It does seem a little like you didn't read what I put in bold. Saying that it won't all have been luck that meant he beat Ricciardo basically implies that I admit he had a "big dose of luck"

I maybe misunderstood your comment earlier when you I thought you meant it wasn't a closer step to returning to F1 (put in bold above)I didn't mean a Ferrari seat but thinking it is more likely that he could return back into the sport now he is connected with Ferrari compared to not doing anything related to it this year.